A letter signed by a bipartisan group of a dozen US Representatives was sent to Acting Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Eric Hargan, to follow up on report language for Fiscal Year 2018 appropriations regarding Lyme disease, to improve the measurement and tracking of the progress of federal efforts to combat the disease.

Ixodes scapularis, a Black-legged tick/CDC

Congressman John Faso (R-Kinderhook) said, “Upstate individuals and families are unfortunately very familiar with the perils of tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease. This is why I have made it a priority in Congress to advance efforts to improve research and awareness to ultimately prevent future cases and mitigate the harmful effects of the disease. There is concern, however, that it can be difficult to enumerate the progress we are making through some of these efforts. The letter sent by myself and my colleagues outlines specific objectives and indicators to track our progress, and make informed decisions when considering funding for certain programs in the CDC.”